Former Boston Bruins defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk may be nearing the end of his NHL career, as insiders Elliotte Friedman and Larry Brooks suggest retirement is on the horizon for the blueliner.
Despite interest from teams like the Edmonton Oilers during the preseason, an offer has not materialized with the 35-year-old veteran still interested in that possibility.
“I’ve heard that Shattenkirk would love to be a part of that Oilers team if there’s a spot for him,” Friedman said on Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast.
A report by Larry Brooks of The New York Post talked about the defenseman having declined a contract offer from an unnamed Western Canadian team—possibly Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver—possibly hinting at his retirement.
“It’s more likely than not that Shattenkirk will end his career after 952 games unless a perfect scenario arises,” Brooks wrote.
Shattenkirk, a 2007 no. 14 overall pick by the Colorado Avalanche has enjoyed a productive 14-year career playing for seven different franchises and accumulating 484 points (103 goals, 381 assists) in 952 games.
The defenseman signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of the 2019-20 season and won the Stanley Cup with them that year. Most recently, he spent the 2023–24 season with the Boston Bruins, helping the team secure a playoff berth.
Despite his past success, ring-chasing this season has been elusive for Shattenkirk.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun noted on Oct. 10 that Shattenkirk remained in discussions with several teams, including Edmonton.
“It’s been somewhat surprising Shattenkirk hasn’t found the right fit after serving as a dependable option for the Bruins last season,” LeBrun wrote. ”Shattenkirk’s camp is patiently waiting for the right fit.”
Shattenkirk's agent, George Bazos, said on Sept. 6 that the defenseman was ”looking for a good fit” and that he ”absolutely still wants to play.”
Following the latest reports, however, it looks like the offers Shattenkirk received didn't please him and, it's fair to assume, that one from the Oilers never was presented to him.
This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.
